Thailand has created history by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a law recognizing same-sex marriage. The Upper House approved the marriage equality law on Tuesday, paving the way for it to be promulgated and take effect in the coming months.
The LGBTQ+ community celebrated as the Senate voted 130-4 in favor of the law, with 18 abstentions. This momentous decision was hailed as a triumph in the longstanding battle for equal rights.
Advocates gathered at the parliament to witness the final reading and vote on the bill, erupting into cheers upon the announcement of the result. Following this, a celebratory event was organized for them at Government House, with festivities continuing at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre into the night.
Despite being on sick leave due to Covid-19, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin congratulated the advocates via a Zoom call from Government House. This gesture highlighted the significance of the new law and the government’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The marriage equality law will permit any two individuals aged 18 and above to register their marriage and enjoy the same benefits and rights as heterosexual couples. It employs gender-neutral language, replacing “a man and a woman” with “two individuals,” and changing the legal status of couples from “husband and wife” to “spouses.”
An important provision of the law is that LGBTQ+ individuals from any country will be able to register their marriage in Thailand. Moreover, foreign same-sex couples will have the right to a spousal visa once the law comes into effect.
Following its passage in the Upper House, the bill will proceed to the cabinet for approval before being submitted for royal endorsement. Once it is published in the Royal Gazette, the law will take effect within 120 days, solidifying Thailand’s position as the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriages, following in the footsteps of Nepal and Taiwan.
Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, speaking on behalf of the Senate’s special committee that reviewed the draft law, emphasized the significance of this milestone for advocates of equal rights. He highlighted the unanimous support for the legislation from both the Upper and Lower Houses of the Thai parliament.
The journey towards the enactment of the same-sex marriage law began 23 years ago, making its passage on Tuesday a momentous occasion in Thailand’s history. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party list-MP, heralded this as a new chapter for the country.
In conclusion, the approval of the marriage equality law in Thailand is a significant step forward in the fight for equal rights and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community. With its progressive provisions, the law sets a powerful precedent for other nations in the region to embrace and advocate for equality in all forms of partnership.
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